Few towns inspire noir like New Orleans. And no town inspires better jazz. So Ro Cuzon, a New Orleanian himself, built a playlist celebrating both. His Under the Dixie Moon is soaked in the jazz, blues, soul, funk and hip hop of New Orleans. As one Amazon reviewer said perfectly,

“In New Orleans, brass band musicians carry instruments that have been dented and then hammered flat again. The music that comes forth is battered and raw, throaty and shot through with the seasoning of experience. If you like to taste the grit of the real on your tongue, read Ro Cuzon’s “Under the Dixie Moon.” It gives some of the great brass bands a run for their money.”

Snatch some of these for your playlist as you’re reading–or writing.

  • Louis Armstrong – St. James Infirmary
  • Soulja Slim – I’ll Pay For It
  • Juvenile – Slow Motion (Feat. Soulja Slim)
  • Juvenile – Back That Azz Up
  • Rebirth Brass Band – Feel Like Funkin’ It Up
  • Rebirth Brass Band – Do Whatcha Wanna
  • Rebirth Brass Band – Roll With It
  • Sidney Bechet – Si Tu Vois Ma Mère
  • Sidney Bechet – Petite Fleur
  • Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes – Ya Herd Me?
  • Mystikal – Bouncin’ Back (Bumpin’ Me Against The Wall) – Extended Version
  • Mystikal – Shake Ya Ass
  • Diplo feat. Nicky Da B – Express Yourself (feat. Nicky Da B)
  • Mac Rebennack – Storm Warning (Long Version)
  • The Neville Brothers – Yellow Moon
  • Earl King – Street Parade
  • The Dixie Cups – Iko Iko – Original
  • Jelly Roll Morton – Buddy Bertrand’s Blues / Mamie’s Blues
  • Jelly Roll Morton – Dead Man Blues
  • Jelly Roll Morton – Tin Roof Blues
  • James Booker – Besame Mucho
  • James Booker – Junco Partner
  • Professor Longhair – Mardi Gras In New Orleans
  • Professor Longhair – Big Chief
  • Glen David Andrews – Just a Closer Walk With Thee
  • Glen David Andrews – I’ll Fly Away
  • Lee Dorsey – Working In The Coal Mine
  • The Meters – Cissy Strut
  • The Meters – Just Kissed My Baby
  • Ernie K-Doe – Here Come The Girls
  • Dr. John – Right Place Wrong Time
  • Kermit Ruffins – Didn’t He Ramble
  • Kermit Ruffins – I Got a Treme’ Woman
  • Kermit Ruffins – Just A Closer Walk With Thee
  • Trombone Shorty – On Your Way Down
  • John Boutté – A Change Is Gonna Come
  • John Boutté – At The Foot Of Canal Street
  • John Boutté – Gloryland
  • John Boutté – Just A Closer Walk